Liverpool outcast committed to Reds cause

The former Sunderland loanee has made just two Premier League appearances for the Reds since his return to Anfield, having rejected moves away from Merseyside during the summer.

The Black Cats returned for the frontman after impressing on his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, whilst QPR had a deadline day bid accepted for the Italian striker.

Whilst his return to Liverpool coincided with the departure of Luis Suarez, with a first-team spot up for grabs, he has started just one game - the 3-1 defeat at West Ham - and has since been an unused substitute in every game since.

Despite his lack of inclusion in Brendan Rodgers’ first-team plans, Borini is confident that he can overcome his early season struggles, which he feels were brought on by the well-publicised pursuit of his talents over the summer.

Speaking to the Shields Gazette, the 23-year-old said: “It was difficult mentally to deal with the situation from one day to another (during the summer) but in my head it was clear that I wanted to stay here and fight for my place.

“That’s what I have always said in the past and what I have always wanted to do and I am showing it every day in training.

“I have been at Sunderland and done well, so I think this is the year to make my point to stay here.”

Despite assuring his commitment is to the Reds, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has not given up on attempting bring Borini back in January, but he is aware that the situation must be monitored before a move can be made, with a number of factors potentially affecting a transfer.

The coach said: “I think we’ll monitor the situation, and it will depend on many things – how we are, how Fabio is, what we need, so we’ll see.”

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.